Using a DNA Home Paternity Test

DNA Home Paternity tests are an accurate, fast and easy way to determine a child’s biological father. The test offers an unsure mother peace of mind and a truthful answer from the comfort of her own home. Since the tests are affordable and simple to perform, many couples are turning to DNA home paternity tests to find out the true identity of a child’s father.

It is generally accepted that in order for a DNA home paternity test to be performed, all parties involved must first provide proven consent. Most DNA testing kits arrive with consent forms that each party needs to sign. A test that is sent to the lab without these consent forms signed by all parties involved may be voided and results not provided. If a DNA home test is being used by a mother for legal matters, there may be other documents included in the test to make the results legally binding. A third party, such as a nurse or doctor, may also be required to collect and send away samples in order for the test to be reviewed in a court of law.

Once a kit is received by the customer, he or she is responsible for collecting DNA samples to be sent back to the company for testing. Home DNA testing kits offer a non-invasive way to collect the DNA samples from all parties. A buccal swab is used to collect the DNA samples. It is similar to an average cotton swab but is made out of polymer and is provided in the DNA home kit.

Every company has specific guidelines and directions on how to retrieve a DNA sample, but most of them provide four buccal swabs for DNA collection. The participant is instructed to rub the swabs on the inside of his or her cheeks, using two swabs on each cheek. The swabs are then to be placed and sealed in the bag provided. Participants who are performing the DNA collection are advised to directly place the swabs into the sealed collection bag after obtaining the sample. Touching the swabs with fingers or other objects may contaminate the DNA samples and make it hard for the lab to obtain accurate results.

Once the consent forms have been signed and the samples taken, the participant can send the DNA home paternity test to the lab for testing. Accompanying the home testing kit should be information on the length of time it takes to receive paternity results. The lab will need to analyze the DNA samples and determine whether the child’s DNA profile has matching pieces to both the mother and father’s DNA profiles.

Experts agree that DNA paternity testing is one of the most precise ways to prove paternity. Since the testing provides scientifically accurate results, it can alleviate the stress and concern a mother feels when she is unsure of the identity of her child’s father.